Archives
Chrysler Group was the first to offer modern, large-volume vehicles in North America with cylinder deactivation – the HEMI®-powered 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum R/T went on sale in the spring of 2004
Chrysler Group was also the first to offer cylinder deactivation in an SUV with the introduction of the 2005 HEMI-powered Jeep® Grand Cherokee
Chrysler Group is now the first to offer cylinder deactivation in a pickup truck – the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500
The Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS) is a fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology that is here today — customers get the power and capability of the HEMI® V-8 that they desire with an improvement in fuel economy of up to 20 percent.
“By 2007, Chrysler Group will have nearly one-million vehicles on the road with MDS,” said Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler Group. “And 60 million gallons of fuel will be saved annually with the HEMI engine’s MDS technology.”
Chrysler Group is now the first to offer MDS in a pickup truck – the 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The company was the first to offer cylinder deactivation in an SUV with the introduction of MDS in the 2005 HEMI-powered Jeep® Grand Cherokee. It was also the first to offer modern, large-volume vehicles in North America with cylinder deactivation — the HEMI-powered 2005 Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum R/T went on sale in the spring of 2004 with the Chrysler Group MDS.
The Chrysler Group MDS seamlessly alternates between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power from the 5.7L HEMI engine is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.
The MDS was part of the engine's original design. This resulted in a cylinder-deactivation system that is elegantly simple and completely integrated into the engine design. The benefits are fewer parts, maximum reliability and lower cost.
Some of the significant technologies enabling the Chrysler Group MDS are the speed of electronic controls, the sophistication of the algorithms controlling the systems and the use of Electronic Throttle Control. The HEMI can seamlessly transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds (0.040 seconds).
The Chrysler Group MDS is standard equipment on the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum
R/T and Dodge Charger R/T, and standard on the HEMI-powered Dodge Durango,
Dodge Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander.
08/28/05 Permalink
08/25/05: Swift's Big Sale is on!
08/25/05 Permalink
- The most capable seven-passenger vehicle expands Jeep lineup and offers consumers more flexibility, more safety - and now, more value
- Highest level of safety and security technology and features ever offered on a Chrysler Group vehicle
- Classic Jeep styling combined with legendary Jeep off- and on-road technology; best-in-class off-road performance and best-in-class horsepower (Yes, it's got a HEMI®!)
Chrysler Group today announced U.S. pricing for its all-new 2006 Jeep® Commander. Classic in design, engineered to perform only as Jeep vehicles can, the first Jeep with three rows of seats, and equipped with advanced safety technologies, the Commander represents the leading edge of a Jeep product offensive scheduled for the next couple of years.
The base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new Jeep Commander is $27,985, including $695 destination. The Jeep Commander will begin to arrive in dealerships later this summer.
“As the most capable seven-passenger vehicle in the market, the all-new 2006 Jeep Commander offers more power, control, flexibility, advanced safety technology and premium amenities than any of its three-row SUV competitors,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep. “Basically, Commander offers more Jeep at an incredible value – with a base price starting at under $28,000 and with Jeep 4x4 capability for under $30,000.”
The Jeep Commander includes the highest level of safety and security technology and features ever offered on a Chrysler Group vehicle. Commander has standard side-curtain air bags covering all three rows, including roll-over sensors, and standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with electronic roll mitigation. Other standard safety features include advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags with Occupant Classification System, an advanced Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist, all-speed Traction Control System (TCS) and ParkSense Rear Park Assist Detection System.
In addition, Jeep Commander is the only SUV in its class to offer two V-8 engines, including the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with the Multi-displacement System (MDS).
Chrysler Group’s strides in manufacturing efficiency, quality improvements and the discipline of its Chrysler Development System (CDS) for product development have allowed the Company to consistently introduce lower priced, all-new models with more content into the marketplace. The Chrysler Group has improved its overall manufacturing productivity by an industry leading 19 percent over the last three years, according to the Harbour Report North America 2005.
2006 Jeep Commander
With an MSRP of $27,985 for 4x2 models and $29,985 for 4x4 models (including destination), the base model Jeep Commander comes standard with an efficient, durable and smooth 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine (210-hp/235 lb.-ft. torque) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The five-speed automatic transmission provides an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. The Quadra-Trac I full-time four-wheel drive system offers customers the convenience of full-time four-wheel drive with no switches or levers to pull. The system provides for smooth operation over a variety of road surface conditions.
Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) is standard with Quadra-Trac I. BTCS utilizes the brake system to provide resistance to any wheel that is slipping, allowing additional torque transfer to the wheels with traction.
Other standard features on the 2006 Jeep Commander include seven-passenger seating; flipper glass on the liftgate with remote control; power one-touch up/down front windows; power heated mirrors; all-terrain tires and 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels; power eight-way driver seat; air conditioning; AM/FM stereo with compact disc player and six speakers; speed control; and tire pressure monitoring warning.
2006 Jeep Commander Limited
The 2006 Jeep Commander Limited comes standard with the 4.7-liter V-8 engine (235-hp/305 lb.-ft. torque) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system provides full-time active four-wheel drive, which anticipates and prevents wheel slip for optimum traction during a wide range of conditions. It also includes the benefit of Brake Traction Control System (BTCS).
The MSRP for Jeep Commander Limited 4x2 models is $36,280 (including destination), while the MSRP for Jeep Commander Limited 4x4 models is $38,900 (including destination).
Other standard features on the 2006 Jeep Commander Limited include chrome grille, front fascia, body side molding and adjustable roof rail cross bars; rear exterior assist handles with chrome accents; SmartBeam Intelligent Headlight System; power sunroof with CommandView skylights; eight-way power driver seats and four-way power passenger seats; leather-trimmed bucket seats with memory; heated front seats; air conditioning with dual zone automatic temperature control; leather-wrapped steering wheel; power adjustable pedals; AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD with MP3 capability; six Boston acoustic speakers; SIRIUS satellite radio with a one-year free subscription; security alarm; tire pressure monitoring display; rear HVAC and universal garage door opener.
A 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine (330 hp/375-lb-ft. torque) with the fuel-saving MDS is also available on Jeep Commander Limited models. The MSRP for Jeep Commander Limited models equipped with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is $40,395. The Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with Electronic Limited Slip Differentials is standard on Jeep Commander 4x4 models with the 5.7-liter HEMI engine.
The Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system represents the most advanced Jeep four-wheel technology to date, delivering best-in-class off-road performance. This state-of-the-art full-time four-wheel-drive system includes a two-speed transfer case with front and rear Electronic Slip Differentials (ELSD), allowing all available torque to be transferred to any wheel with traction.
“The introduction of the Jeep Commander signals our commitment to remain the leader in the sport-utility market, a market that Jeep invented 65 years ago,” said Bell. “The Commander begins the expansion of the Jeep brand and strengthens what is already a stellar lineup, consisting of the Wrangler, Liberty and Grand Cherokee, and it fulfills the Jeep brand’s promise of freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity.”
The Jeep Commander is built at Chrysler Group’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, joining the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2006 Jeep Commander Pricing
- Jeep Commander 4x2 $27,985 (including $695 destination)
- Jeep Commander 4x4 $29,985 (including $695 destination)
- Jeep Commander Limited 4x2 $36,280 (including $695 destination)
- Jeep Commander Limited 4x4 $38,900 (including $695 destination)
08/21/05 Permalink
08/18/05: Dodge Introduces Largest Pickup Cab Ever
In the quest to make pickup truck cabs more spacious, more comfortable and
more practical, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab “extends” beyond
the competition with the largest pickup cab ever. With class-leading interior
room and comfort for six adult passengers and their gear, the Dodge Ram Mega
Cab is in a class all its own.
The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab further solidifies the Dodge Ram truck lineup’s long list of leadership claims: fastest, strongest, most powerful, most capable – and now, most spacious and versatile.
“Packaged with full-size Ram capability, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers the most interior passenger space, cargo capacity and functionality of any pickup truck on the market,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President – Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Dodge Ram Mega Cab is the first and only pickup truck to comfortably seat six adults and provide enough interior storage space to bring along plenty of gear.
“Since the year 2000, demand for full-size crew cab pickup trucks has tripled – and we’re joining the party with our spacious, capable and powerful 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab,” added Jackson.
The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab’s 143.2 cubic feet of interior space features the industry’s most innovative seating and storage configurations, including the first reclining rear seats available in a pickup truck, tilting back from a 22- to 37-degree seat-back angle for added comfort. The rear-passenger area of the Dodge Ram Mega Cab offers best-in-class leg room of 44.2 inches while rear seats also split 60/40, fold down and move forward, providing numerous configurations for maximum interior cargo capacity and flexibility.
“Pickup truck buyers use their trucks in a variety of different situations,” said Jackson. “They use it as their daily driver, for family road trips and various recreational activities. The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab delivers ultimate versatility, offering the most functionally diverse cab ever created for pickup truck buyers who want more room, comfort and convenience.”
08/18/05 Permalink
Employee Pricing Plus combined with Swift's exclusive Red Tag Savings!
Wait! It is getting better with newly announced incentives including $1000 CFC Bonus Cash on select vehicles. Please call us for details.
08/18/05 Permalink
Chrysler kicked off Detroit’s annual Woodward Dream Cruise today, introducing
the all-new 2006 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition dedicated to “The
Mother Road” on another famous road, Detroit’s Woodward Avenue.
Announced in conjunction with the famed Woodward Dream Cruise, the Chrysler
PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition will be available later this summer as a
limited-production version of the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Chrysler
PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition will be $19,185 for the manual transaxle
version and $20,020 for the automatic transaxle model. Both prices exclude
a $640 destination charge.
“
Like the historic highway it’s named after, the new 2006 Chrysler PT
Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition celebrates the journey, as well as the destination,” said
Jeff Bell, Vice President—Chrysler. “With its proud heritage styling,
colorful exterior and fun-to-drive character, Chrysler PT Street Cruiser captures
the adventurous essence of Route 66,” Bell added. “It’s Route
66 personified.”
Aglow in an exclusive Solar Yellow paint, this limited-production vehicle features
Solar Yellow brake calipers, body-color grille, solar-tinted sunscreen glass,
liftgate mounted spoiler, 17-inch all-season performance tires, four-wheel
anti-lock brakes with low-speed traction control, speed control and a sport
suspension. Brightwork accents include chrome body-side moldings, a chrome
exhaust tip and 17-inch, chrome-plated, five-spoke Empire aluminum wheels.
A unique “Street Cruiser” badge, complete with Solar Yellow accents,
is featured on the liftgate and complemented by “Route 66” Edition
badges on the front doors.
The 2006 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition’s striking color
also shines from the interior. A Solar Yellow cluster bezel and passenger air
bag door with a PT Cruiser graphic accents the instrument panel. Pastel Slate
Gray premium cloth sport seats with Alias/Albi trim include a six-way power
driver seat feature and driver manual lumbar adjuster. The Pastel Slate Gray
door trim features Medium Slate vinyl bolsters. The Chrysler PT Street Cruiser
Route 66 Edition also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with Satin Silver
spokes. The Street Cruiser’s standard AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player
has MP3 play capability, as well as an audio-input jack that can be used to
connect portable MP3 players or other auxiliary audio devices.
The Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition has front-seat-mounted side air bags. It
also includes many of the standard safety features found on the 2006 Chrysler
PT Cruiser, including an enhanced accident response system, new advanced driver
and front-passenger multi-stage front air bags with an Occupant Classification
system, a driver-side inflatable knee blocker, theft alarm, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat anchor system, brake/park interlock,
lap and shoulder seat belts in all positions, rear door child protection locks,
rear liftgate release latch, remote keyless entry, Sentry Key engine immobilizer
and speed-sensitive power locks.
The 2006 Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition is powered by a standard
2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 150 horsepower (112kW) and
165 lb.-ft. (220 N•m) of torque coupled with a five-speed manual transmission.
An optional four-speed automatic transmission also is available. The Chrysler
PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition will be available in some markets outside
of North America, arriving at the end of 2005. The vehicle for international
markets will be available in Solar Yellow and Black, and with a choice of the
2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 2.2-liter common-rail turbo diesel
engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
“
The Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 edition is the first factory-customized
version of our newly refined 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the eleventh version
of the Chrysler PT Cruiser since the vehicle was introduced in 2000,” said
Larry Lyons, Vice President—Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “This
Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition features the many interior, exterior and NVH
improvements we’ve made to the refined 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, all
of which enhance the customer’s overall driving experience, whether it’s
on their daily commute to work or on a cruise along the famous road it’s
named after.”
2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
The Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to lead the segment in style, versatility,
quality and performance with a complete upgrade for the 2006 model year. Starting
at a U.S. MSRP of $14,210 (excluding $640 destination) the vehicle features
across-the-board refinements, including updated front and rear fascias, featuring
a new front grille with the Chrysler winged badge, an all-new interior and
improved performance. The High-output Turbo engine on the 2006 Chrysler PT
Cruiser GT model also gets a boost of power, now rated at 230 horsepower (171.5
kW) and 245 lb.-ft. (332 N•m) of torque, up from the previous 220 horsepower.
2006 Chrysler PT Cruisers also feature all-new interiors and NVH improvements
that reduce road, wind and powertrain noise by up to five decibels, depending
on driving conditions. The new instrument panel features larger gauges, new
flush shutoff, rotating air vents and a Chrysler signature analog clock. The
radio also is mounted higher in the center stack for easier access, and a passenger
grab handle is added to the right side of the instrument panel, making it easier
for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. The glove box capacity is
increased, and the door now features a dampened movement.
A new center console with a sliding armrest and covered storage space replaces
the previous seat-mounted armrests and front passenger seat storage bin for
all 2006 PT Cruisers and the Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition. This console
includes a covered tray for concealing small items, a deep storage bin that
holds six CDs, an available battery-fed power outlet for cell phone charging,
a new coin holder and two fold-out cup holders for rear-seat occupants. New
convenience features on all 2006 models include standard power locks, courtesy
map lamps and rear window switches mounted higher on the back of the center
console for easier access.
THE CHRYSLER PT CRUISER LINEUP CONTINUES TO GROW
The Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition is the eleventh version of
the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser since it was first introduced in 2000.
The Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition joins the Flames, Woodie, PT
Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, Two-tone, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models,
and the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible. The Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition
is the first factory-customization of the newly refined 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
CHRYSLER PT CRUISER PRODUCTION
Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible vehicles are built
at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. U.S. sales of the PT Cruiser lineup
in July totaled 13,077 units, up 54 percent from the previous July. Year-to-date,
Chrysler PT Cruiser sales in the United States totaled 71,451 units, up 11
percent from last year. Since its launch as a production vehicle in February
2000 through July 2005, 894,186 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles have been sold
worldwide.
08/16/05 Permalink
08/09/05: Jeep® Patriot Concept
The legendary Jeep® brand hints at global portfolio expansion and explores
all-new territory with the world premiere of two compact SUV concepts—the
Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass Rallye. The Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass Rallye
concepts are compact Jeep 4x4s that would deliver fun, freedom, utility, capability,
as well as the potential for exceptional fuel economy and interior flexibility—all
at a great value. The two concepts make their world premiere at the Frankfurt
International Motor Show (IAA) on September 12.
The Jeep® Patriot concept offers a modern interpretation of classic Jeep styling: rugged, strong and capable. It would appeal to young buyers looking to join the brand in a genuine Jeep vehicle that would deliver fun and freedom at a great value. Jeep Patriot not only looks like a Jeep, but all-new Jeep off-road technology would ensure Patriot could be a Jeep Trail Rated 4x4, making it the most capable vehicle in its class.
The Jeep Compass Rallye concept broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand. It’s a contemporary styled Jeep concept that targets new buyers who might not have previously considered the brand. Compact and nimble, Jeep Compass Rallye concept is the right size for world markets and is designed to offer a fun-to-drive experience, performance and fuel economy unexpected in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
08/09/05 Permalink
If the 2006 Jeep® Commander could talk, “more” would be its favorite
word.
The introduction of Commander at the New York International Auto Show in March 2005 marked the formal addition of one more Jeep model to the already strong lineup of Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler, and signals the start of a Jeep product offensive scheduled for the next two years.
With an overall length of 188.5 inches and a height of nearly 72 inches, Commander is more Jeep SUV than ever before.
Because Commander is the first Jeep vehicle with three rows of seats, more passengers – seven – can visit more places to enjoy its go-anywhere, do-anything capability.
And Commander has more safety and security features than any previous Chrysler Group vehicle, including standard side-curtain air bags in all three rows and standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
“Simply put, Commander is more Jeep,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Jeep, Chrysler Group. “With more room and more capability than other seven-passenger 4x4s, Commander offers owners an extra dose of freedom and adventure, both on- and off-road.”
It doesn’t end there. The Jeep brand has been building industry-leading 4x4 vehicles for more than 60 years. To be worthy of the Jeep badge, Commander was also required to have legendary Jeep off-road capability. It does – plus on-road driving refinement – because it is equipped with the same under-the-skin components as the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee. As a result, the new 2006 Jeep Commander is the most capable seven-passenger 4x4. And, of course, it’s Jeep Trail Rated®.
08/09/05 Permalink
08/09/05: Jeep® Four-Wheel-Drive Systems
The Standard of Capability
65 years of experience
Six different four-wheel-drive systems: traditional to extreme
Unmatched capability with excellent on-road ride-and-handling qualities
Sixty-five years ago Jeep set the standard for off-road capability. Today,
Jeep engineering continues to improve upon the four-wheel-drive vehicle.
This experience combined with innovative technology is what makes Jeep vehicles
among the most capable in the world.
By offering six four-wheel-drive systems, today’s Jeep vehicles may be tailored to specific customer needs:
Command-Trac®
Selec-Trac®
Quadra-Trac I®
Quadra-Trac II®
Quadra-Drive® II
Rock-Trac™
Jeep four-wheel-drive systems range from traditional to extreme and are offered
on a wide variety of Jeep vehicles –Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Liberty
and the new Commander.
When it comes to building a Jeep-branded vehicle, the Jeep engineering team follows a high standard of criteria. The Jeep Trail Rated® badge communicates that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: Traction, Ground Clearance, Maneuverability, Articulation and Water Fording.
Jeep Trail Rated is an industry-leading methodology established by the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) and Jeep Engineering to objectively measure and consistently predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles today and into the future. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, as well as computer-simulated environments, Jeep Trail Rated provides a repeatable and consistent measurement of off-road performance for Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.
Jeep was the first to offer these 4x4 technologies:
Automatic transmission coupled with four-wheel drive
Shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive
Quadra-Trac, the first completely automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system
Choice of shift-on-the-fly Command-Trac or Selec-Trac four-wheel-drive systems
Four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle
4:1 low-range transfer case
Industry-exclusive Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) – front/center/rear
When it comes to sharing the experience of legendary Jeep 4x4 capability with
consumers, Jeep does it through Camp Jeep, Jeep Jamborees, music, gaming, extreme
sports and many other award-winning activities.
As competition in the 4x4 market heats up, Jeep stands out as the only U.S.
brand that has been producing four-wheel-drive vehicles for 65 years. Be it
a compact, mid-sized or luxury sport-utility vehicle, the Jeep brand’s
focus is to provide a trademark design with hallmark ruggedness and capability
combined with a new level of refinement.
08/09/05 Permalink
08/04/05: Swift in Davis Announces
Employee Pricing Plus combined with Swift's exclusive Red Tag Savings!
08/04/05 Permalink